Distribution of Injected Potassium Salts in Tissues of the Potassium-Deficient Rat

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Abstract
Young rats depleted of K by dietary means were treated with K salts during a 12-hour period and then maintained on the deficient diet. Observations of growth and body mineral composition were made. Administration of K resulted in an immediate weight gain, the major component being growth. Shortly after the onset of therapy excessive retention of water and electrolyte occurred, while later (4-7 days), increased body fat was observed. K toxicity as previously described remains the limiting factor in rapid restoration of body composition. Within these limitations, muscle K may be restored rapidly. A deficit of 35% muscle K could be repleted within 5 hours associated with a decrease in muscle cellular Na. Potassium acetate differed from KC1 after one day''s repletion in that hypertonicity occurred. In addition a few animals failed to survive potassium acetate therapy while all animals survived KC1 in a similar dosage. The hypertonicity in the potassium acetate group was not reflected in the derived muscle cellular Na plus K. The rapid development of K depletion following repair with resumption of growth again indicated a major contribution toward preservation of vital tissues at the expense of muscle K.